I got mine from my hairdresser too, however at the time I saw they had some 'older generation' GHDs in Superdrug, I mentioned this to my hairdresser, she felt it "wasn't right, they are not supposed to be selling them" and when I went in a couple of days later they were gone, not sure if my hairdresser had managed to get them removed or if they were just such a good bargain they were all sold out.

According to my hairdresser FHIs are far superior and cheaper. They go hotter, have an adjustable temperature dial (which I think GHDs don't have?), and can be used wet to dry (which GHDs say you shouldn't do). They're high quality plates just like GHDs and they survive some pretty robust usage from her (how many posts have you read about GHDs breaking just after a year or two years of use and people talking about they HAD to replace them straight away with another set - how good can they be if they break that easily?!).

FHIs now outsell the GHDs at her trade-only suppliers.

I think GHDs were the cutting edge a few years ago, but it's a little unlikely to suggest that other companies would never surpass them, to be honest. I do think they trade a lot on their reputation and have a suitable mark up accordingly.

Yes, keep getting tempted by these FHIs. Even my hairdresser, who uses ghds, admitted that teh technology must have been copied now. Agree, must be paying for the name with ghds (am also worried about false economies though)